Suiting up for the Crimson Tide from 1985-88, Thomas was an All-American at 'Bama and the 1988 recipient of the Butkus Award, which is presented to the best linebacker in the nation. During the 1988 season, Thomas recorded a total of 27 sacks, an NCAA record that has yet to be broken. Thomas concluded his Tide career with 52 sacks and 68 tackles-for-loss, both of which are Alabama school records.

In regards to the aforementioned "snubbing" of Thomas, on three different occasions, no particular reason has ever been given as to why Thomas was shunned. Logic suggests that a player who holds NCAA records, as well as individual school records for performance, should have been a lock for the Hall of Fame on the initial ballot of eligibility, but that obviously was not the case for the legendary Alabama linebacker.

Former Crimson Tide standout Cornelius Bennett, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005, made his case in 2013 by saying he would boycott the College Football Hall of Fame until Thomas was inducted. Bennett, also a prolific linebacker in his own right, played along side Thomas for two years at the University of Alabama.

While the wait was long, and at times confusing for those who loved and admired Thomas, the man who reinvented the linebacker position in respect to the collegiate ranks, has finally taken his rightful place in the College Football Hall of Fame. Congratulations to the late Derrick Thomas for receiving an honor so richly deserved.